News

Hi friends and jazz lovers – the time is rapidly approaching for the Bartlett-Benedum get-together on July 13, 2013. We honor invitees whom we admire, respect, and love.

We start the day at 1:00 p.m. with a welcome and a blessing. Then, the dean of jazz piano in Pittsburgh, Frank Cunimondo and his trio kick off the afternoon with great selections from his 20 records and CDs. Frank is a legend in jazz along with his many Westinghouse High School’s Wall of Fame honorees who include such artists as Ahmad Jamal, Dakota Staton, and many more. Frank played the “Tonight Show” and had the “best Jazz CD” in Paris, France just a couple of years ago. It is great to have Frank back along with his trio – Pat Crossley and our “house” drummer, Tom Wendt.

We welcome back the Rockwood Area High School and Alumni Jazz Band. They were a big hit at the last Jazz in the Meadow. Donations collected at that event in the sum of $500. were donated to the Music Department at Rockwood Area High School. We hope to continue this way of encouraging jazz in the high school age group.

And, what a finale we have arranged this year. The Joe Negri Quartet tops off the day at 5:30 p.m. Joe’s resume reads like the history of jazz in Pittsburgh – a radio and television star who often performs with the Pittsburgh Symphony, records with all of the great jazz artists, and is Michael Feinstein’s favorite guitar player. World wide, Joe is known as “Handyman Negri” on the Fred Roger’s Neighborhood. Joe is the epitome of a great jazz musician and great guy in life. Joe will be accompanied by the talented Max Leake on piano, Tony Depolis on bass, and the inimitable Tom Wendt on drums.

So, arrive early. Enjoy hardy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and some of the best company with whom to spend a summer afternoon.

Official invitations will be arriving soon by land mail with RSVP status, directions to our meadow, etc.

P.S. Those wishing to spend an overnight in the Laurel Highlands should make early reservations at the local B and B’s and/or Seven Spring. Reservations are going quickly.

Jazz in the Meadow
July 13, 2013
1:00 p.m. to 7: 00p.m.

As many of you know, the Brooks Bartlett family and Benny Benedum started this musical adventure as a dedication to and promotion of friendship and jazz. We invite persons we admire, respect, and love. With these qualities in mind, we invite you to spend a summer day with us.

The tent has been reserved, the stage set, and the musicians scheduled.

We start the afternoon at 1:00 p.m. with the Frank Cunimondo Trio. Following Frank, we again will be entertained by the Rockwood Area High School/Alumni Jazz Band. At 5:30 p.m. the Joe Negri Quartet will wrap up this marvelous day of music and conviviality.

More information and up-dates will be on our website – JazzintheMeadow.com – and a formal invitation will arrive in June.

We look forward to sharing this day of festivities with our friends!

Here’s a “heads up” regarding the 2013 edition of the Bartlett-Benedum Jazz in the Meadow. This event is scheduled for July 13 (Saturday).

We start the afternoon at 1:00 p.m. with the Frank Cunimondo Trio. Following Frank, we again will be entertained by the Rockwood Area High School/Alumni Jazz Band. At 5:30 p.m. the Joe Negri Mike Tomaro Quartet will wrap up this marvelous day of music and conviviality.

So, come early (1:00 p.m.) and stay late (7:00 p.m.). Help us to continue the theme of our lawn party that promotes jazz, friendship, and conviviality.

We suggest early reservation at the local B and B’s and/or Seven Springs if you plan to stay overnight.

Brooks & Helen Bartlett

Hooray!! We just saw the sun!

Yes, we have been having rain, rain, and more rain, but all weather stations are promising a perfect day for jazz – mid 80’s and sun!

As we have always said, dress for Mountain fashion. This means shoes that can get you in and out of puddles. And this year we are recommending chairs rather than beach blankets.

The big tent is in place and we are about to set up the canopies for food and beverages.

See you all at 1:00 for the Marty Ashby Quartet followed by the Rockwood High School Jazz Band and then at 5:00 for the Frank Cunimundo Trio!

– Brooks & Helen Bartlett

Wow, can’t believe that in just two weeks we will all be enjoying the sounds of jazz in the meadow!

We are still waiting to hear from some of you and hope that you are clearing your schedules because as always it promises to be a fantastic event with all of that incredible talent and all of you wonderful friends. For those who have already RSVP’d, we apologize for the duplicate notice.

We’ve now had days of sun and days of less than stellar weather and it all turns out to be great fun but certainly dress accordingly – it’s just not as fun to sit on a damp beach towel with a white dress.

The Bartlett Girls are working out the menu and as always we welcome favorite foods that you would enjoy bringing. Bocce was a hit in 2009 in between the raindrops and we hope also to have croquet set up.  In between acts please feel free to walk around the area, and even to bring water wear if you would like to play in the creek.

As always we can’t wait to see everyone and to hear some great jazz!

– Brooks & Helen Bartlett

The Brooks Bartlett family and Benny Benedum invite you to:
Jazz in the Meadow – Saturday, July 9, 2011

We welcome you to an afternoon/early evening of music, friendship, and conviviality.
The entertainment starts at 1:00 p.m. with music by the Marty Ashby quartet,
followed by the Rockwood High School Jazz Band.
At 5:00 p.m. Frank Cunimondo and his trio will present jazz standards.

Hearty hors d’oeuvres and beverages (wine, beer, and soda) will be served.
Please bring a chair or blanket and join us for the celebration of Friendship and Jazz.
Casual attire and comfortable shoes recommended.

Surprise musical guests may appear!

Please RSVP by June 27, 2011

“Joy Spring” – “Up Jumped Spring” – just two jazz songs that express our feelings precisely as we ready for this summer’s “Jazz in the Meadow”. Plans continue apace for the Bartlett/Benedum July 9, 2011 musical extravaganza. This summer’s event will feature a stage for the most talent laden groups of musicians we have ever presented. In addition, a number of exceptional musicians will be attending and may “jam” with our scheduled combos. As usual, the audience will be made up of equally exceptional personages. Be ready for some surprise guests. Again, this year folks attending will be friends of the Bartletts and Benedums whom we admire, respect, and love.

The afternoon begins with a welcome by the hosts and then a blessing by Rev. Dr. Richard A. Morledge. This occurs promptly at 1:00 p.m. The musical portions start with the lilting and mellow rhythms of the Marty Ashby Quartet – each of whom is a jazz master in his own right.

As we alluded to in our February announcement, we have arranged for a local high school jazz band to play. Plans are now finalized to have the Rockwood High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Rich Kingera, to segue between the Marty Ashby Quartet and the Frank Cunimondo Trio. We are very grateful for the cooperation of the Rockwood School superintendent, Mr. Mark Bower, and the Rockwood School Board. The young jazz musicians are not professionals so do not receive payment for their appearances. So, we are suggesting that anyone wishing to make a donation for their appearance can do so on July 9th at Jazz in the Meadow. The entire donation will go to the Rockwood High School Music Department – hopefully “earmarked” for jazz instruction and presentations. It is our hope that this high school gig will promote jazz for the younger generation.

At 5:00 p.m. we are proud and pleased to bring back one of Pittsburgh’s favorite jazz piano groups – the Frank Cunimondo Trio. Frank will be accompanied by the legendary Pat (the Barbarian) Crossley and the young drummer phenom – Tom Wendt.

As those of you who have attended this lawn party in the past know, it is dedicated to the promotion of Friendship and Jazz. The usual format continues with live music, conviviality, hardy hors d’oeuvres and libations.

So, again, please mark your calendars. Bring a chair or a blanket, and be prepared for a relaxing afternoon-early evening of jazz and good company.

We suggest checking the location page of the website for overnight lodging at the local B and B’s or Seven Springs Resort.

If you receive this update, you are on the invitation list. But a formal invitation will follow for RSVPs.

Sincerely,
Brooks & Helen Bartlett

We realize that right now the Steelers are the only thing on everyone’s mind. However it is time to start thinking about:

Jazz in the Meadow 2011!

Please mark your calendars for July 9, 2011 and get ready to think good weather.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all in the meadow.

The 2009 edition of Jazz in the Meadow was a great success despite a few showers. The gathering of marvelous musicians, great friends, and plentiful food and libation soon overcame the inconvenience of a little dampness. The Bartlett family and Benny Benedum enjoyed the day as much or more than the guests. Once Benny gets his carpal tunnel problem resolved he hopes to again become part of the entertainment.
Salsamba was a big hit — they brought tropical aires and soon warmed the meadow with their Latin tempos. Much thanks to Eric, George, Eric, Paul, and Tom.

Special thanks to Jeff Lashway for stepping in at the last minute for Frank Cunimondo. Jeff, Pat (the Barbarian), and Tom did a beautiful job.

My gratitude to my wife, Helen, who was the coordinator of the event and to Benny Benedum – the co-host. His friendship and love of jazz further bonds our relationship. Many thanks to our family – Sandy and Nancy organized the food and drinks and worked on the general coordination. Sean and Gabe took care of the technical aspects of the website, sounds, and photography. That work continues as they ready the Jazz in the Meadow 2009 website up-date (stay tuned!).

The tone of the day was set with the beautiful blessing by Rev. Richard Moreledge and then encapsulated with a toast by Franklin Blackstone. Thank you both for your eloquence!

Our thanks would not be complete without acknowledging the efforts of the many friends and neighbors who helped with set-up of the stage, brought tables, food, etc. and were generally supportive.

Kudos also to our Ambassadors of Jazz – Sue and Jim Armour, Bonnie and Franklin Blackstone, and Dela and Denny Lowther. Didn’t they look sartorially resplendent in their pink blazers?

Thanks, Tim Stevens, for your rendition of “My Funny Valentine” dedicated to Bonnie Blackstone.

To all our friends – we thank you!! It was a joy to share with you a day set aside to celebrate Friendship and Jazz.

Plans are being made for the 2011 event. Please let us know of your thoughts and comments.

We are pleased to announce one of our surprise musical guests.

Mr. Jeff Lashway will perform in the second portion of our program at 4:30.

Jeff, a native Pittsburgher, now divides his time between New Orleans and Pittsburgh.

His credentials are impressive.  He played with the Maynard Ferguson band and has recorded with numerous jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Slide Hampton, and our own Joe Negri.

Making Jeff’s visit to Jazz in the Meadow even more exciting is that it will be a release party for his new CD.

You are going to enjoy Jeff’s artistry on the piano as well as appreciating another fine Pittsburgh jazz musician.